47 Discussion Questions


Connor:

1-3: Why didn't Big Mama help 47? A: She might have thought that 47 going to the fields was for the best; at least he's still on the plantation and she can keep an eye on him. Also, if she attempted to help him, then they would both get punished for "rebellion."

1-3: Why did Pritchard want to brand him? A: To Pritchard, branding 47 felt like revenge, against the whites and 47 for having such an easy early life compared to the others.

3-5: What will Tobias do to 47? A: 47, no doubt, will be harshly punished, as all of the slaves are. He'll be whipped like an animal.

3-5: Why did 47 run away from Mama Flore? A: 47 is probably felling sore at Big Mama for not helping him escape the slave quarters. He might feel that she is only his "Big Mama" when it is convenient for her.

5-7: Where do you think John and 47 went? How? A: Either John is a really fast runner, or he is like a superhuman. According to the description, they seemed to have went to a far- off, northern wilderness, possibly Canada.

5-7: 47 says that John is different. Well, then who, or what, is he? A: I think that John is a first generation slave from Africa, that' s how he knows about freedom. Maybe he is from Europe, which explains his education. He might have visited the US and gotten captured into slavery.

7-9: Why are slaves punished so harshly? A: Masters apparently want to make examples out of bad slaves. That way, other slaves won't follow suit. However, in a sense it is not economical. If you punish a slave harshly. then they aren't as efficient workers.

7-9: How can John feel pain? A: John, not being part of earth, must be able to read minds, and read past minds.

9-11: What promise does Tall John mean? A: John might be saying that 47 is the Savior, the "Chosen One."

9-11: How does John know so much about Elioses' illness? A: He might be guessing. All he really might need to know to cure her is that she's dying.

11-13: What is Wall? What are his powers? A:Perhaps Wall is one of John's race. Prerhaps John comes from a place like earth, where his people fight over things. Wall might be out to win it all.

11-13: What makes 47 special? A: 47 knows pain that for most in the universe is unimaginable. Yet at the same time he is young enough to still care about others. His heart is not a lump of coal.

13-15: Why does Tobias punish John and 47 for saving his daughter? A: He may be fearful that if he rewards them, slaves will think of him as a lenient, weak master. He doesn't want that to happen, now, does he?

13-15: Would a real slave punish 47 and John for saving their daughter? A: I don't think they would, but they would not reward them due to their impudence.

15-17: Did Albert run out to save 47, or Big Mama? A: Albert might have finally had enough, and would not stand by any longer.

15-17: Where will John, 47, and Tweenie go? A: They probably will hide for a while, then head north.

17-19: Will John give 84 the cha too? A: He probably will, since he cares so much for her.

17-19: Will 47 allow them to leave their friends behind? A: No. Like John said, 47 has a big heart, so he would never forsake his friends.

19-23: How did Mr. Stewart rally the white men to his side? A: He might have convinced them that the slaves were in rebellion, or that master Tobias treated them like equals. That would explain why they attacked the slave quarters and the master's house.

19-23: Why did John awake the slave masters? A: If the masters wake, they might buy 47 and john some time by fighting Mr. Stewart and the others. It would give them time to escape.

19-23: What happened to Mr. Stewart when he got hit in the head? A: His body got abused, no doubt. But because he was a 'zombie.' it did nothing to his power.

23-25: Does John have any weapons? A: Since John can feel pain and can 'fly,' he might have other superpowers like that.

23-25: What did John do to Wall? A: John probably caused his machine to self destruct via his powers. In doing so, he weakened himself to death.

23-25: Why did Tweenie marry Champ? A: Sadly, Tweenie might have thought that, without John, she had no other future. Besides, Champ is strong enough to protect her and keep her safe.
Steven S.
1-2: Do you think Champ is a good or bad companion to 47? A:
We think Champ is a good companion because he saved 47's life by beating up Pritchard.
3-5: Wouldn't you think every one would fine Tall John to be quite the odd every day slave; especially do to the fact that his skin is more of a copper color? A: Yes! Tall John was nothing like any of the other slaves because he would say elaborate things no other slaves would think of.
5-7: Do you think Tall John and 47 could be somewhat related? A: Perhaps, yet the book has not revealed to many secrets that would give any sign of relationship.
7-9: Do you think Tall John could be somewhat of a God? Maybe! Tall John acts like the messiah and the slaves are his decipels. It seems as if Tall John is trying to make the slaves realize that there is more to life then just being slaves.
9-11: Why do you think Tall John finds Tweenie attractive? Maybe Tall John is trying to make the people realize that no matter the skin color, the looks, or maybe Tall John just likes her.
11-13: Do you think Tall John is a good influence? Yes!! He is carving the young minds of the slaves.
13-16: What is Tobias thinking about when his daughter is dying? I think he just cares if she lives. He doesnt care if the slaves do.